Benue: Police to collaborate, synergize with PCC

The Benue State Command has unveiled plans for its existing Police Complaints Response Unit (CRU) to collaborate with the Public Complaints Commission (PCC) in the state.

This was stated on Monday by the Benue State Commissioner of Police, Steve Hassan Yabanet, during a visit by the Federal Commissioner of the PCC, James Oche, to his office.

The initiative aims to facilitate the referral of civil cases lodged with the Unit to the PCC, thereby enhancing cooperation. Mr. Yabanet assured that he would empower the Command to refer cases that fall outside its jurisdiction and are civil in nature to the Public Complaints Commission, allowing the police to concentrate on criminality and pressing issues that threaten societal peace.

He expressed commitment to allocating personnel from the Command to the PCC. Yabanet further stated that such measures are designed to strengthen security at the Commission and provide assistance during enforcement actions targeting non-compliant parties under investigation.

According to a statement by the Head of Publicity at the Benue State Office of the PCC, Akura Orhemba, these commendable initiatives were triggered in response to requests from the Benue State Federal Commissioner of the PCC, Chief James Oche.

Mr. Oche noted that “the aim of the courtesy call is to foster inter-agency collaboration in order to fulfill the PCC’s mandate of investigating and resolving both proactive and reactive complaints against public and private organizations involved in maladministration and injustice.”

He expressed gratitude for the vital role played by the Nigerian Police in crime prevention, maintaining public order, and protecting lives and property. He noted that since assuming office on October 2, 2024, he recognized the urgent necessity for strengthened collaboration with the police due to the considerable challenges faced by the Commission that require coercive enforcement.

Mr Oche expressed his appreciation to Mr. Yabanet for his unwavering support in providing personnel to assist the Commission’s enforcement efforts. He also expressed gratitude to the Benue State CP for the notable decline in criminality within the state, which he attributed to the tireless efforts of the Commissioner of Police and his team.

The commissioner was accompanied on the visit by key members of the PCC, including the Director of Investigation, Justin Chuwang, and others.

Benue: Police to collaborate, synergize with PCC